This Easy Crockpot Potato Soup is creamy, warm, and perfect for chilly days. With simple ingredients like potatoes, broth, and cheese, it’s a comforting bowl of goodness!
Honestly, nothing beats coming home to the smell of this soup. I love to top mine with crispy bacon and green onions—it’s like a party in a bowl! 🥔💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using Russet potatoes. They break down nicely for a creamy texture. If you’re short on time or don’t have Russets, Yukon Golds also work well for a buttery flavor.
Broth: Chicken broth gives a great depth of flavor, but you can use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian. Homemade broth enhances taste if you have it!
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of cheeses like Gouda or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
Sour Cream: Greek yogurt is a good alternative if you’re looking for lower fat. It provides creaminess and a bit of tang, just like sour cream.
Bacon: If you’re not a fan of bacon, omit it or try turkey bacon for a lighter option. You can also use crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian crunch!
How Can I Achieve a Creamy Texture?
A key part of making this soup creamy is how you mix the potatoes after they’re cooked. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- After cooking, use a potato masher or an immersion blender. Mashing about half of the potatoes gives a nice chunky feel while keeping some intact for texture.
- Don’t rush this step; it’s all about achieving that cozy creaminess!
- When adding cream and cheese, make sure to stir well so everything blends nicely.
Remember to taste as you go to find that perfect balance of flavors, and enjoy the warm, cozy atmosphere this soup brings to your meal!
Easy Crockpot Potato Soup Recipe for Cozy Meals
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup carrots, diced (optional)
- 1 cup celery, diced (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy potato soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll cook it in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After that, you’ll do a little mixing for about 30 minutes more. In total, set aside about 7-8 hours for the complete experience, and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling and dicing your potatoes, chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. If you’re using carrots and celery, chop them up too. It’s all about getting those ingredients ready to go into the crockpot!
2. Assemble in the Crockpot
Gather all your chopped veggies—the potatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Toss them into the crockpot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
3. Cooking Time
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the potatoes to be very tender, making it easy to mash and cream up later.
4. Mash and Cream
Once the cooking time is up, take your potato masher or immersion blender and partially mash the potatoes. You want a mix of creamy and chunky—so don’t overdo it! Next, stir in the butter, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until everything is well combined and looks creamy.
5. Final Touches
Let the soup cook on low for another 15-30 minutes to warm up all the creamy goodness. This helps melt the cheese and blend those delicious flavors together.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with crispy bacon crumbles and sliced green onions if you like. Enjoy your cozy, hearty, and delicious potato soup!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen diced potatoes! However, the texture may be slightly different. Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing, and you may need to increase the cooking time by about 30-60 minutes.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To keep this soup vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the bacon. You’ll still enjoy a hearty and flavorful soup!
Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just toss everything into the crockpot and set it to cook. You can also make this soup a day in advance, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
